Sunday Morning Kenya Update

Female African elephant Kenya stands facing left with her bottom leaning up against the fence. Her ears are out and she's standing on a red dirt surface. There are green trees in the background

Kenya had a long day on Saturday, but when her caregivers met her just after sunrise this morning, she seemed more rested than the morning before. While her breathing continues to be abnormal, she appears less tired and more alert.

Just like yesterday, she’s finishing her fruits and vegetables when we offer them and she’s eating some pelleted food as well, but isn’t interested in her grains. Sometimes we create grain balls so that we can administer medications in a way that’s palatable to the elephants, but she’s not eating any, even when there are no supplements included. Instead, she was given medication in her fruit, which she finished right away. We tried to add some medication to an ice treat, as a different way to give meds, but she just held it in her mouth until it melted before letting it drop out. In addition to the water she’s continuing to drink well, we’re also giving her Gatorade and coconut water, which she seems to enjoy. Her stool looks good, and it appears she’s digesting things well.

Kenya hasn’t always had great responses to injections, and it took some time for her to get used to needle sticks when our caregivers/trainers were first working with her in Mendoza. But she has been amazing with them since she has been here and it was no different this morning. She was a perfect princess when Dr. Mateus gave her antibiotic injection, leaning all the way in for her shot so as to give him the best access to her leg muscle.

Her caregivers are reporting that her ears don’t feel as warm as they did yesterday. We’ve talked about how elephants use their ears to help regulate their temperatures, and hers now feel normal. She’s continuing to spend her day relatively close to her caregivers for a majority of the time, and they are showing her as much affection as she indicates she needs. Of course, everyone is happy to oblige and the connection helps buoy everyone’s spirits. We’ll report more as things develop, but please continue to send Kenya good vibes, positive energy, or whatever you feel comfortable doing.

Photo of Kenya standing up against the fence. She sometimes leans on it to shift her weight when she’s uncomfortable

Comments(20)

Jeanine says
December 14, 2025 at 11:07 am

Thank you for the update. We all care.🙏
- REPLY
  Nicole says
  December 14, 2025 at 4:33 pm
  
  Thank you so much for the update about Kenya!
- REPLY
  Bonnie says
  December 15, 2025 at 1:36 am
  
  Sara does Dr Mateus have any idea what’s going on with Kenya it’s good to hear she’s doing better also it’s sad that she can’t be with the other Elephants from what you wrote Sara it seems like you all are spending lots of time with her that’s good she’s lonely Kenya you get better and we all care and love you 😇
  - Sara says
    December 15, 2025 at 9:10 am
    
    Dr. Mateus is working with Dr. Luciana, Scott, and the whole care team and they’re all doing their best to treat what’s going on with Kenya. She’s with her caregivers most of the day, so she has plenty of company right now.
Wim says
December 14, 2025 at 11:12 am

Still looks worth worrying. I wish you strength and success while dealing with this situation.
Love, strength and healing for Kenya.
The whole world embraces you Princess.
🙏🫶🐘🤗
Samantha Giffin says
December 14, 2025 at 11:13 am

Sending love to Kenya and all of her worried caregivers.
Lori Hoover says
December 14, 2025 at 11:14 am

Thank you so much for the update, and thank you for the care and love that everyone there gives Kenya. It is sweet to know that Kenya knows you are trying to help, especially with the leaning in for a shot to make it easy. She trusts you guys, I am not surprised that she is so different at Sanctuary than at the Zoo, especially years ago.

I love that girl. Hang in there and get better, Kenya. I’m going to try to worry later and just send her love now. Just thinking her name in my mind can make me smile. I hope she feels it.
Guille y Magdalena says
December 14, 2025 at 11:18 am

Hermosa Kenya, te enviamos todo nuestro amor y energia, para que te recuperes pronto y puedas disfrutar de la vida en libertad.
Barbara L Smith says
December 14, 2025 at 11:19 am

We love you, Kenya.🙏🏽🐘❤️🌹
Ada says
December 14, 2025 at 11:22 am

After losing Pupy so suddenly and seeing the update on Kenya’s health, I almost don’t wanna look at my email and IG for fear of bad news. But, I realize I need to stay positive for Kenya that she will just get better. I’m so glad she is surrounded by humans who give her the love and affection she asks for and of course, the medical needs she requires. Wish I could be there to be one of her loving comforters. Sending prayers for her health to get back to normal. Love you sweet girl🥰
- REPLY
  Sara says
  December 14, 2025 at 11:26 am
  
  I’m sure Kenya will take all the positive energy you can send ❤️
Nelson Courser says
December 14, 2025 at 11:27 am

Thoughts and prayers to Mz Kenya and to her caregivers!
María Davila says
December 14, 2025 at 11:42 am

Bien por Kenia!!! Deseo de corazón que siga mejorando. La amo con el corazón!!!
- REPLY
  Gina Garcia says
  December 14, 2025 at 1:05 pm
  
  I’m so glad to hear she’s feeling a bit better! Hopefully her breathing will normalize as the day goes on. She is so lucky to be there and to have people that are tuned into her and her needs. Sending prayers and healing energy her way. Hang in there sweet girl, lots of folks love you! ♥️♥️♥️🙏🙏
JamesMichael says
December 14, 2025 at 12:19 pm

Having cool, pleasant energetic thoughts and wishes for our beautiful African queen.
Peace and Love for you always, sweet girl .
Terri says
December 14, 2025 at 1:25 pm

Prayers offered for sweet Kenya’s comfort and healing.
Yasmin says
December 14, 2025 at 2:01 pm

We are sending love and best health wishes to Kenya. Thank you to your whole team for all the care, attention, and love you give her.
Irene Olson says
December 14, 2025 at 3:26 pm

Thank you for the update. Sounds on the positive side! Sending prayers and hugs 🥹🙏🏻🤗❤️
Alida says
December 14, 2025 at 8:02 pm

Sending you positive energy, healing prayers and all the love I have in my heart for you Kenya ❤️🐘❤️ Please baby girl, get better soon. Big hug from Australia Kenyacita 🐘💕 thank you so much Team GSE for taking care and giving our girl the love she needs, and thank you for the updates, they’re very much appreciated 🙌
Terry says
December 15, 2025 at 7:24 am

Big healing energy to you sweet Kenya!!!

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